December 2007

Gino SitsonBamisphere18th & Vine

This sunny set of African-flavored vocal jazz is fresh, surprising and utterly unique, ranging from folksy motherland jams to churning postbop grooves. Singing in the Medumba language of Cameroon, Sitson launches his stunningly pliant voice into high-register arcs, eerie sound effects and vocal/body-percussion accents in the Bobby McFerrin mold. A crack intercontinental band (including bassist Ron Carter on three tracks) carries the leader aloft on a billowing cloud of good vibes, or sits out as Sitson’s solo voice is multi-tracked into thick, hypnotic polyrhythms.